More than 100 flights cancelled in Germany as environmental activists target airports across Europe

More than 100 flights cancelled in Germany as environmental activists target airports across Europe

Police secures the area after activists of the “Letzte Generation” (Last Generation) cut a hole in a fence and staged a demonstration near the runways at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany July 25, 2024.
| Photo Credit:
Reuters

Climate activists staged similar actions in Finland, Norway, Switzerland and Spain on Wednesday.

At Helsinki Airport, a handful of protesters blocked the main check-in area for about 30 minutes, but police said the demonstration caused no delays to flights or other disruption.

At Oslo’s main Gardermoen airport, three activists managed to enter the runway area early Wednesday, waving banners and disrupting air traffic for about half an hour. Police said there were no major flight delays.

Police in London said on July 24 that they prevented a planned protest at Heathrow Airport that could have had a significant impact on Europe’s largest airport. Seven members of the group known as Just Stop Oil were arrested at Heathrow and three others were taken into custody at other locations as part of an “intelligence-led” operation, the Metropolitan Police Service said in a statement.

One of those arrested in London was Sean Callaghan, 29, who described himself as an environmental educator.

“I’m taking action at airports this summer because it is impossible for me to see a way in which we can inspire and enthuse students about the future of our planet,″ Callaghan said in a video posted on social media.

Last week, the German Cabinet approved legislation that would impose tougher penalties on people who break through airport perimeters.

The bill, which still requires approval by lawmakers, foresees punishment ranging up to a two-year prison sentence for people who intentionally intrude on airside areas of airports such as taxiways or runways, endanger civil aviation, or enable someone else to. Currently such intrusions only draw a fine.

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Source link : https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/more-than-100-flights-cancelled-in-germany-as-environmental-activists-target-airports-across-europe/article68445824.ece/amp/

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Publish date : 2024-07-25 17:01:00

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